“I-90 is a formidable barrier to movement of wildlife…. I will continue to work in Congress and with the State of Washington to ensure this project is a safe and efficient highway and that it provides a high level of connectivity for wildlife.” — Patty Murray, United States Senator for Washington State
“Why does the I-90 Snoqualmie Pass East Project and work in the greater landscape to improve wildlife habitat around Snoqualmie Pass in Washington’s Central Cascades matters to me? It is about connectivity. Connecting wildlife to their full environmental range as well as connecting people to the environment that supports wildlife habitat. My focus at KCPRD No. 1 is to strike a balance between trail access for humans and creating and maintaining undisturbed places for wildlife.” – Craig Mabie, Cle Elum, WA and Kittitas County Parks & Recreation District No. 1 (KCPRD No.1) Commissioner.
“If we expect viable populations of wildlife in the Washington Cascades to persist, particularly the rare carnivores, such as wolverine and lynx, we must modify I-90. The interstate functions as a barrier to wildlife movement, effectively cutting the state in half, preventing gene flow between local and regional populations.” — Patricia A. Garvey-Darda, US Forest Service biologist for Okanogan/Wenatchee National Forest.
“The proposed wildlife bridges are essential parts of the I-90 improvements east of the summit. This project will provide safer passage for both wildlife and people. The earliest planning efforts for this major freeway improvement recognized the importance of this wildlife corridor, and it must be included in the final project. That is how we do business in the State of Washington.” — Sid Morrison, Former Secretary of Transportation for Washington State (1993-2001), Former Congressman from eastern Washington (4th CD) (1980-92), Former State Senator and Representative from Yakima Valley (1967-80), Trustee, Central Washington University
“Major construction projects can be bitterly contested. One of the most intriguing aspects of the I-90 expansion is that it is bringing together economic interests and conservationists. There is the real possibility that a project can be proposed that both sides can support. This alliance will certainly make government sit up and take notice.” — Debbie Strand, Executive Director, Economic Development Group of Kittitas County
“It is wonderful to have organizations come with potential solutions. It allows us to react differently as well.” –Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board Member Rebecca Frances in response to Charlie Raines’s presentation on the coalition’s efforts to work cooperatively in the planning of the Interstate 90 Project on March 18, 2005
“To be human is to be connected — to land, water, wildlife, home, and each other. What’s good for wildlife is good for us, and the I-90 corridor connection is a win for both.” – Amy Gulick, Clinton, WA
“Why I’m so excited about this project is that it’s an illustration of what happens when people who can’t talk to each other, environmentalists and roads people, talk to each other.” — Fred Jarrett, former 44th District Washington State Representative
“The I-90 Snoqualmie Pass East Project is a shining example of what’s possible when science, vision, and commitment come together in a project that improves conditions for both people and our fellow travelers, the species with whom our fate is intertwined. This project and related efforts give hope that we can leave a landscape in better ecological shape than before, more able to adapt to a changing climate.” – David Atcheson, Honolulu, Hawaii and former director of The Cascades Conservation Partnership.